Nature Education – Trends & Tools

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Knowledge creates appreciation

The opportunities for value creation through nature education have never been greater. In times of climate crisis, people are becoming increasingly interested in the “wonders of nature”.

That’s why nature education must become “suitable for the masses”. We reveal here which possibilities and innovative tools are suitable:

Personal guided tours

They are rightly considered the Royce Rolls of nature education.

Knowledgeable guides who respond to the guests’ personal interests, tell stories and point out rare plants. That makes the nature experience particularly impressive and individual.
However, such tours must be requested by e-mail or telephone, or you have to show up at a meeting point at a certain time. And then pay cash on the spot.

Our tip: Develop guided tours with different durations and different focuses. Actively market these offers and be sure to provide online booking!

The more people are out and about in nature, the more important it is to raise their awareness

Signposted theme trails

Well signposted theme trails and nature trails are a popular and proven method for nature education.

Photos, graphics and text provide interesting facts about flora and fauna along the trails. Information about the effects of climate change, ecological use of the natural and cultural landscape and, of course, proper behavior in nature also find their place here.

However, there is to be no “over-signposting” of nature. Huge panorama boards are therefore not only expensive, but often even prohibited. Furthermore, outdoor signs have to be UV and weather resistant.
That’s where small, talking signs are a good alternative. Using NFC and a smartphone app, all the info is read aloud: A contemporary and accessible info-to-go – without the internet at all. Here’s how it works.

Our tip: For the development of themed trails, turn to professionals such as tourkonzept, who optimally compile content, the “red thread” of the narrative, design and material for themed trails.

Small, weatherproof and completely self-sufficient: Talking NFC signs with offline audio info for nature education on site!

Nature education with a fun factor

An important trend in nature education are interactive stations that make the experience of nature even more intense.

These can be barefoot or Kneipp trails or simple climbing exercises, for example. Quiz questions around the chosen topic are also popular.  Or simple prompts to smell tree sap or feel different mosses. Using a compass, magnifying glass and binoculars makes being out in nature even more exciting. After all, “joining in” is very popular with young and old.

Our tip: Trained nature and landscape educators are the best sources for the successful implementation of interactive solutions.

Child-oriented nature education in the Lower Austrian Eisenwurzen Nature Park

Digital solutions for nature education

Of course, the direct contact between humans and nature is in the foreground of nature education.

Nevertheless, digital tools can support the nature experience very well:

• Apps for identifying plants, bird calls or animal tracks.
• A photo safari, where specific plants or animals are to be photographed.
• Geo-caching as a modern scavenger hunt.
• Storytelling with voice assistants for exciting stories directly on site.

Our tip: Remember, digital solutions for nature education must work offline! Because a QR code in a wireless hole makes no sense.

Text, images and digital interaction – that’s nature education for everyone!